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LOS ANGELES -- Amidst a backlash against Lakers coach Phil Jackson's for declining to criticize Arizona's new immigration law, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has taken a strong stance on the Lakers playoff series with the Phoenix Suns.
On Monday, Villaraigosa offered a wager to Mayor Phil Gordon of Phoenix, prior to Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals, scheduled that night at Staples Center.
In a statement released by his office, Villaraigosa talks about Steve Nash, one of the Suns' star players and a Canadian, saying, "... we look forward to welcoming Steve to our team the next time he forgets to carry his passport with him."
"I'm sure he will fit in quite nicely as we pursue our 31st Conference Title."
SB 1070, recently made law in Arizona, empowers local law enforcement to check the immigration status of suspects they have stopped for other reasons if there is a reasonable suspicion they are in the country illegally.
The law specifically bars police from racial profiling, but critics contend that's exactly what will happen.
"In all seriousness," Villaraigosa goes on to say, "I do want to applaud 'Los Suns' for standing up for the American values we all cherish, no matter where our families came from, no matter when they came to this great country. Nothing brings a city together like an NBA championship, although in this case, I guess you'll just have to take our word for it."
He offers to make a wager with Mayor Gordon, stipulating the following terms:
"Should the Suns prevail, we will humbly accept ownership of "American's Toughest Sheriff," Joe Arpaio, Sheriff of Maricopa County. Perhaps a stint in Los Angeles would teach him that you cannot deduce immigration status simply by looking at a person.
"Should the Lakers be victorious, we will deliver to you both Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman, Republican candidates for Governor of California, currently battling for supremacy on the issue of illegal immigration. Perhaps some time in Arizona would show them both that being governor isn't always all it's cracked up to be.
"Additionally, should the Lakers ultimately win, we will send a group of students to Dodger Stadium to behold the other great sports franchise in Los Angeles. Similarly, should the Suns best the Lakers, we call on Phoenix to treat a group of students to cheer on the Diamondbacks."
No response was immediately issued by Mayor Gordon.
On Monday, Villaraigosa offered a wager to Mayor Phil Gordon of Phoenix, prior to Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals, scheduled that night at Staples Center.
In a statement released by his office, Villaraigosa talks about Steve Nash, one of the Suns' star players and a Canadian, saying, "... we look forward to welcoming Steve to our team the next time he forgets to carry his passport with him."
"I'm sure he will fit in quite nicely as we pursue our 31st Conference Title."
SB 1070, recently made law in Arizona, empowers local law enforcement to check the immigration status of suspects they have stopped for other reasons if there is a reasonable suspicion they are in the country illegally.
The law specifically bars police from racial profiling, but critics contend that's exactly what will happen.
"In all seriousness," Villaraigosa goes on to say, "I do want to applaud 'Los Suns' for standing up for the American values we all cherish, no matter where our families came from, no matter when they came to this great country. Nothing brings a city together like an NBA championship, although in this case, I guess you'll just have to take our word for it."
He offers to make a wager with Mayor Gordon, stipulating the following terms:
"Should the Suns prevail, we will humbly accept ownership of "American's Toughest Sheriff," Joe Arpaio, Sheriff of Maricopa County. Perhaps a stint in Los Angeles would teach him that you cannot deduce immigration status simply by looking at a person.
"Should the Lakers be victorious, we will deliver to you both Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman, Republican candidates for Governor of California, currently battling for supremacy on the issue of illegal immigration. Perhaps some time in Arizona would show them both that being governor isn't always all it's cracked up to be.
"Additionally, should the Lakers ultimately win, we will send a group of students to Dodger Stadium to behold the other great sports franchise in Los Angeles. Similarly, should the Suns best the Lakers, we call on Phoenix to treat a group of students to cheer on the Diamondbacks."
No response was immediately issued by Mayor Gordon.
